Dawgs come up short in battle with Breathitt

The Hazard Bulldogs welcomed the Breathitt County Bobcats to Daniel Field on Friday for another battle on the gridiron. The Bulldogs pulled out a tough win last year at Breathitt County, and this one proved to be just as exciting.

Breathitt County took the opening kickoff and seemed to be able to move the ball at will. The Bobcats finished off the drive with a 3-yard run by Richard Trent, giving them the 7-0 lead.

Hazard took the ensuing kickoff and also moved the ball at will. Jordan Olinger ran the offense out of the wildcat, and got the Bulldogs very close to the end zone. Penalties hurt Hazard late in the drive, and they came away empty after a missed field goal attempt.

Defense took control of the game at this point, and neither team could put together a substantial drive. The Bulldogs went into the locker room trailing 7-0.

Defensive intensity carried over into the third quarter, keeping both teams out of the end zone. Late in the third period, the Bobcats found a way to get behind the Bulldog defense, scoring on a 21-yard pass from Richard Trent to Jamie Watkins. Breathitt County added the conversion to take the 15-0 lead.

In the fourth quarter, Hazard was faced with a long yardage conversion. Evan Whitaker connected with Austin Johnson on the right sideline, putting the Bulldogs on the 39-yard line. Whitaker went left with his next pass, finding Nathan Higgins just shy of the end zone. Higgins plowed through the defenders to finish off the catch with the score (Eversole kick), bringing Hazard to within a touchdown at 15-7.

Both teams had chances at the end zone late in the game, but neither could capitalize on the opportunity. With time running out, the Bulldogs took one final shot at the end zone. Unfortunately, the pass was intercepted, ending Hazard’s hopes of a comeback.